Jjim Dak
Ssyal Ginseng House

Ssyal Ginseng House

4201 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago I-60630-2728, United States, 60641

Food • Lunch • Korean • Casual


"This is possibly the best Korean restaurant I have ever been to. It's definitely better than any in my hometown, and if I lived in Chicago, this would be a regular on my list of eateries to visit. It was a Wednesday late morning when I realized my original plans to go to the Art Institute were dashed because it was in fact closed. I decided instead to explore some Chicago neighborhoods. It was also nearing lunch time, so I decided to seek out a Korean place, and the easiest one to get to was Ssyal. So I made my way by bus, the L, and a long walk through neighborhoods to work up an appetite. I found my destitation, and upon entering I was greeted warmly by the lady working. I went with my typical order for Korean places: Dukbokki (Spicy Rice Cake) and Dolsot Bibimbap. Although I was tempted to order the seasonal Naengmeyon (Cold noodle soup) that I became familiar with after watching K dramas... but I stuck with my usual. And I went with a peach soju as well. I was the only one in the restaurant, and enjoyed the quiet calm meal. The lady was like close friend's eomma, and I felt like more than just a patron. It is truly one of the few places where I felt valued as a person enjoying some really good homecooking. The banchan were really tasty there was some jalapenos, cucumbers, fish cake, and what I think was kkakdugi cubed daikon kimchi and it was SO good. The dukbokki was not to sweet, which was to my liking, and I savored the texture of the chewy rice cakes. I know that some don't like this, but it is one of my favorites if the sauce is done right. It was spicy, but not too spicy. I enjoyed these and my soju while I waited for the main dish. I was not disappointed when the lady rolled it out on a cart and it was sizzling like no other dolsot bibimbap I've ever had. I let it sit for probably 10 minutes to really let the rice crisp up and it was SO worth the wait. The dish was shallow and wide allowing for a thinner layer of rice that crisped up to perfection! I was pleasantly surprised that the beef was not fatty at all (that's the way I like it) and the egg was fried to perfection. I let it cook and get nice and hard. I was really in foodie heaven. What I love about Korean food is that it is healthy, and while I was indulging in a large lunch by myself, I didn't feel guilty for eating it all up. It was just so good. While I was eating, I noticed that my host was prepping strawberries, and I was so surprised when she brought my a small dish of strawberries. Perfect for a summer afternoon finisher. It paired well with my soju and I delighted in this simple gesture of generosity. I was so please with my experience here. I can't imagine a better dining experience. The atmosphere was homey and cozy and the service was amazing. Again if I lived here, I would undoubtedly be a regular. Please go and try it!!"

Bbq Chicken Rockville

Bbq Chicken Rockville

9712 Traville Gateway Dr, Rockville I-20850-7408, United States

Bbq • Meat • Asian • Korean


"Chicken very good. Others hit/miss. Service meh.We get 1 item every time, which we love:24 piece (Large) Honey Garlic Boneless ChickenNote: The sauces change based on the individual chef who makes it, which we find charming, but it can be a bit stressful for people who want consistency. The Honey Garlic can be nice sweet one week and then quite tangy/spicy the next week. We find this interesting, but for spicier sauces, I imagine it might pose a problem!Why we get this item:The chicken is ALWAYS juicy, and the crunch is ALWAYS great, which is why we frequently order this particular 1 item then combine with our own rice kimchi pickled radish at home.There are 2 items we sometimes get:1. So Dduk So Dduk very cute tasty, like carnival food, but the sauces have the same issue as the chicken they vary a lot, which we find fun, but it can be odd, especially if you want spicy2. Chicken Bulgogi Poutine this is A LOT and we find it very good, it can be messy and intenseWe have tried these 7 items won 't order again:1. Original Golden Olive Chicken very plain... almost pointless2. Bulgogi Rice Bowl usually nice, but ultimately a bit flavorless, a little too sweet3. Kimchi Fried Rice good ish, but not worth the price4. Steam Rice we just wanted to see what they 'd give us, and please never order this, it 's pitiful5. Fried Dumpling another what is their version order for us, and it 's... fine... you probably shouldn 't order this6. Cheese Stick another what is their version order for us, and haha... no7. Sweet Potato Fries yep, it 's what it says, not worth itService vs. To Go:We ate once inside the restaurant, and it was a very sad experience due to service decor. The to go/takeout option is perfect: simple and easy. We always call in advance park around back."